Exciting, but along with the thrill comes risk. Know what your standard travel insurance from Pakistan may not cover when you go off-beat, and how you can protect yourself anyway.

Why “Standard” Travel Insurance May Fall Short

When you buy travel insurance, what you’re looking for is a safety net. It covers medical emergencies abroad, lost luggage, trip cancellation (in certain cases), and so on.  But this coverage is based on assumptions about “typical” travel: city hotels, known routes, moderate activities, and a defined duration.

When you step off the well-worn path into adventure territory, many policies treat the situation differently. The insurer sees higher risk: rough terrain, remote hospitals, evacuation costs, unpredictable weather, and non-standard transport.

In short, you may find yourself outside the plain-vanilla policy’s scope unless you took special precautions. 

To see how standard policies cater to longer trips and remote work, check our article on travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

Common Uninsured Scenarios For Adventure Travelers

Here are key areas that standard travel insurance may not cover when you choose off-beat travel.

High-Risk Activities

Many policies explicitly exclude or require an add-on for “hazardous” or “extreme” sports and activities like rock climbing, deep-sea or cave diving, and bungee jumping.

If you plan to trek off-path, ride ATVs, traverse deserts, or use non-regular transport, you might trigger the “high-risk” clause.

Remote Location And Evacuation Cost

In remote regions, your nearest hospital may be many hours away or require a helicopter lift. Standard cover often limits emergency evacuation or repatriation to certain kilometric or cost thresholds. 

If you fall ill or get injured during a desert safari, jungle trek, or mountain pass, you may find the insurer either declining or limiting the claim.

Non-Disclosure Of The Itinerary and Timing

If you sign up for travel insurance describing a hotel-based city stay for two weeks, but instead you spend a month in remote terrain with multiple stops, you may void parts of your cover. 

Some policies require you to declare exact dates, destinations, and types of activities. For off-beat trips, you may need a specialist policy.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions In Demanding Terrain

Even if your policy covers existing conditions, when you travel into more demanding environments (high altitude, extreme heat, jungle), your insurer may say you increased your risk profile and reduce or deny coverage. 

Standard travel policies often carry waiting periods, exclusions for pre-existing or unstable conditions.  

Acts Of Nature, Civil Unrest, And Adventure Transport Usage

If your journey uses non-scheduled flights (charters, bush-planes), your policy may exclude “non-scheduled carriers”. If you go into areas subject to travel advisories, civil unrest, or undeclared war zones, many policies automatically exclude claims. 

Also, damage from extreme weather may be excluded if you knowingly choose high-risk terrain.

Lost Or Stolen Items Under Unusual Circumstances

While most policies cover luggage or theft, when you are off-road, in remote camps, or using non-hotel accommodation, the definition of “unattended” or “safe storage” may change. 

If your gear is stolen during a remote camp or you’re self-driving in a remote region, your insurer may argue you failed to follow “reasonable care” or the terms of cover.

What Pakistani Travelers Should Ask And Check

Here are some key questions you should ask before you commit to a policy:

Does the policy cover high-risk or adventure activities?

If yes, what is the extra premium or add-on? If not, what activities are explicitly excluded? Ask your insurer to list the activity definition.

What is the evacuation and repatriation clause?

How far from a hospital? Does it include a helicopter rescue? What are the cost limits? The “standard” clause may assume an urban hospital, not a jungle, desert, or mountain.

Does the destination or itinerary affect the premium or coverage?

If you are going to a region with no defined hospital network or with travel alerts, your policy may exclude claims. Disclose your route and terrain honestly.

Is the travel transport you’ll use covered?

Using local unscheduled flights, charter boats, or self-driving in remote regions may not fall under “regular carriers”. Confirm coverage for your mode of transport.

What is the policy’s duration safe zone?

Some multi-trip or annual policies assume standard destination stays (30–90 days) and standard itineraries. Going off for 3 or 4 months into remote locations may exceed standard cover.  

Are your high-value items clearly covered?

If you carry specialist gear (camera, trekking equipment, diving gear), check the sub-limits and exclusions for “extreme sport equipment” or “professional gear”. Many policies exclude equipment used for commercial or specialized activity.

How To Tailor Your Cover For Off-Beat Travel

Here are steps you can take to ensure your insurance works for your adventure.

Choose a specialist “adventure travel” policy or add-on

Many insurers provide upgrade options where you declare your trekking, diving, remote riding, etc. This may cost more, but it ensures your policy reflects the actual risk.

Document and disclose your plan clearly

Provide your route, transport modes, accommodation type, and planned activities. Even if it sounds “routine” to you, the insurer must know you intend remote camping, off-grid travel, or high-altitude trekking.

Keep copies of your policy, contact numbers, and local embassy

In remote regions, you might have limited connectivity. Save offline the insurer’s emergency contact, local embassy number, and keep your policy details easily accessible.

Review your gear and personal liability.

If you hire motorcycles, go off-road driving, or self-guide climbs, check whether your policy covers “rental vehicle accident” or “personal accident for adventure activity”. Standard cover may assume commercial transport and support.

For an easy walkthrough of the purchase process, see our step-by-step guide to buying travel insurance in Pakistan.

Realistic Scenarios And What You Might Miss

Let’s say you take a 10-day trip in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, plan to trek to a remote village, and hire a local jeep that uses off-road tracks. When you purchase travel insurance, your insurer might say:

• Your high-altitude trek is an “extreme activity” not covered.
• A hired jeep on non-public roads is “non-scheduled transport” and excluded
• The remote clinic is three hours from a full hospital, and any evacuation cost will exceed the plan’s limit

Or consider that you go diving in Indonesia, but your policy excludes scuba beyond 30 meters depth, and you injure yourself at 45 meters. 

The “adventure activity” clause kicks in, and you face large bills. The standard travel policy is fine when you stick to common tourist behavior; when you deviate, you must get customized insurance.

Final Thoughts

Adventure travel is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. But with adventure comes risk, and insurance is about managing that risk, not eliminating it.

For Pakistani travelers heading off-beat, standard travel insurance is rarely sufficient on its own. Reviewing exclusions, declaring your full plan, upgrading for high-risk activities and transport, and maintaining safety standards are all part of smart travel.

Make sure your coverage matches your plans, so you can focus on the thrill of the trail, not the possibility of financial shock.

Safe travels.

The post Adventure Travel and Insurance: What Isn’t Covered When You Go Off-Beat from Pakistan appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Urban life brings with it busy roads, unpredictable drivers, rising accident rates, and frequent cases of theft. These risks make it essential for drivers to look beyond third-party coverage and understand what comprehensive car insurance really offers — and why it makes sense in Pakistan’s modern driving environment.

What Third-Party Insurance Actually Covers

Third-party car insurance is the most basic type of vehicle coverage. It protects you financially if your car causes damage to another person’s property or injures someone in an accident.

In other words, it pays for the other person’s loss, not yours. If your own car is damaged or stolen, you’ll have to bear the cost of repair or replacement yourself.

This kind of coverage is meant to satisfy legal requirements, not to secure your personal finances. For a new or even moderately valuable car, that can be a risky gamble. You can read more about how it differs from comprehensive policies in the SmartChoice article Third-Party vs Comprehensive Car Insurance: What’s the Difference?.

Why Comprehensive Car Insurance Is Worth It

Comprehensive car insurance offers a wider range of risks coverage. It protects both you and others. In addition to third-party liability, it also covers your car against:

• Accidents, collisions, and overturning
• Theft or attempted theft
• Fire or explosion
• Natural disasters such as floods or storms
• Vandalism or damage caused during civil unrest

Think about how often we hear about the poor roads and traffic conditions damaging cars in Karachi or the latest flood related damages to countless cars, or about cars being stolen in parking lots and marketplaces. These are real risks that third-party insurance won’t cover, but comprehensive insurance will.

The Urban Driving Reality in Pakistan

People driving in in cities like Karachi or Lahore are well aware of how accidents and road hazards are part of life. Narrow streets, poor parking facilities, and impatient traffic all increase the chances of minor accidents and scratches.

Moreover, the rate of car thefts in Pakistan’s large cities is also high. Many drivers rely on trackers, but even with those, recovery isn’t guaranteed. A single incident of theft or major damage can cost hundreds of thousands of rupees — far more than the annual premium for a comprehensive policy.

For example, repairing a damaged bumper or replacing a broken headlight on a modern sedan can easily exceed Rs. 50,000. If your car is stolen, the loss could be in the millions. Comprehensive insurance protects you from these sudden, heavy expenses that most people aren’t prepared for.

Addressing the Cost Misconception

One of the main reasons people avoid comprehensive insurance is the belief that it’s too expensive. But as a matter of fact, the difference between third-party and comprehensive premiums isn’t as significant as most assume.

Premiums are calculated based on your car’s market value, age, and risk factors like location and usage. For many drivers, the annual cost of comprehensive insurance will usually be somewhere between 2% and 4% of the car’s value. This is much less than the potential cost of a single accident.

While many insurance providers offer flexible payment options, it is much easier to compare rates, customize coverage, and buy your policy online through trusted platforms like SmartChoice.pk, which helps you find the best car insurance plan based on your budget and vehicle type.

Additional Benefits That Come With Comprehensive Coverage

A comprehensive car insurance policy often comes with features that third-party coverage does not, such as:

• Cashless repairs through authorized workshops
• Personal accident cover for the driver and passengers
• Optional add-ons like zero-depreciation cover or roadside assistance
• Faster claims and more predictable costs in emergencies

These benefits make a big difference for urban drivers who depend on their cars daily and can’t afford long downtime or repair expenses. To make the process even easier.

Choosing the Right Comprehensive Plan

When selecting a comprehensive car insurance plan, it’s important to go beyond just comparing prices. Look closely at:

• Claim process efficiency and responsiveness
• Network garages available in your area
• Add-on options suited to your driving habits
• Deductibles and claim limits

It’s also good practice to renew your policy as per schedule and keep your car in good condition, as insurers often require inspections before approving claims for older vehicles.

Why Comprehensive Insurance Reflects Responsible Ownership

Owning a car in Pakistan’s urban centers isn’t just about mobility — it’s a major financial investment. For many families, a vehicle represents years of savings. Yet, many owners still hesitate to spend a small fraction of that amount to protect it.

Comprehensive car insurance shows that you value both your investment and your responsibility as a driver. It ensures that an accident, theft, or natural disaster doesn’t derail your financial stability. In the long run, it’s not just protection — it’s smart financial planning.

The Future of Car Insurance in Pakistan

The local insurance industry is evolving and with growing vehicle ownership, digitization, and more awareness, comprehensive insurance is becoming a standard expectation among responsible drivers.

Platforms like SmartChoice help to reduce the gap between insurers and customers, allowing drivers to compare plans transparently and make informed decisions. This ease of access means there’s little reason left to settle for minimal coverage.

Final Thoughts

Third-party insurance may fulfill a legal obligation, but it doesn’t offer real protection in the unpredictable traffic of Pakistan’s big cities. Comprehensive car insurance, on the other hand, provides true financial security and peace of mind.

For urban drivers who face congested roads, unpredictable weather, and theft risks, it’s not just a better option, it’s a necessary one. Protecting your car means protecting your future. And with easy online tools and flexible options now available, going beyond third-party insurance has never been simpler.

The post Beyond Third-Party: Why Comprehensive Car Insurance Makes Sense for Pakistani Urban Drivers appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Being able to manage money smartly isn’t just a good habit; it’s a survival skill. From inflation and rising utility costs to planning for emergencies, Pakistani consumers, just like their counterparts the world over, face multiple financial challenges daily. Yet, one critical factor that keeps many from making informed decisions is the lack of financial literacy.

Here’s the reality: most people still rely on friends, family, or hearsay for advice about loans, insurance, or investments. The biggest barrier? Complex financial jargon and the lack of easy-to-understand resources in Urdu and regional languages.

Why Language is Key to Financial Awareness

Think about it, how many people around you are comfortable reading detailed guides in English? Probably a small percentage. The average Pakistani consumer speaks Urdu or a regional language at home. So, if we keep financial content locked in English, we’re leaving out a massive audience.

By offering content in Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi, brands can ensure that people not only access information but actually understand it. After all, literacy is not just about reading, it’s about comprehension and confidence.

Current Gaps in Financial Literacy in Pakistan

Before diving into solutions, let’s look at the reality:

• Insurance Awareness is Low: Many still believe health insurance is only for big corporates or the rich.
• Loans and Credit Are Misunderstood: People often confuse personal loans with credit card debt, leading to poor financial choices.
• Savings Culture is Weak: Most households operate without an emergency fund.

The reason isn’t unwillingness; it’s lack of knowledge and accessibility. Imagine explaining the concept of “deductible” in English to someone who barely uses the internet. That’s where localized content steps in.

The Business Case for Urdu and Regional Content

You might wonder, “Why should businesses care?” The answer is simple: a financially literate customer is an empowered customer, and empowered customers are loyal, especially if your product is sound.

When people understand products clearly, they’re more likely to make confident decisions, which means less attrition and deeper trust in the brand. For most businesses, creating accessible content translates into:

• Higher engagement: People spend more time with products that speak their language.
• Increased conversions: Clarity removes hesitation, driving faster decisions.
• Brand trust: Educating customers shows that you care beyond sales.

How Urdu and Regional Content Can Make an Impact

Here’s how localized content can turn the financial literacy challenge into an opportunity:

1.    Translate Complex Terms into Everyday Language

Instead of saying “premium” or “deductible,” use relatable terms like mahana qist or kharch ka hissa jo aap bharenge. These terms feel familiar and less intimidating.

2.    Use Visual and Audio Content

Not everyone reads long articles. Short videos, infographics, and podcasts in Urdu or regional languages make financial concepts easy and engaging.

3.    Create Step-by-Step Guides in Urdu

Imagine a blog titled “Health Insurance Samajhna Aasaan Hai” or “Car Insurance Ke 5 Zaroori Nuqaat.” These simple, clear titles invite readers who might ignore an English alternative.

4.    Incorporate Cultural Examples

Financial habits vary across regions. For instance, both rural and urban households still rely on informal savings committees (committees or BC). Linking insurance or savings concepts to these familiar practices helps bridge understanding.

Fintech Platforms Leading the Way in Financial Awareness

Fintech platforms are perfectly positioned to take this initiative forward. With their expertise in comparing insurance, loans, and financial products, they can build Urdu content hubs for:

• Health and Life Insurance Guides
• Loan and Credit Card Tutorials
• Savings and Investment Tips

Not everyone has the time or inclination to attend a workshop or class. By tapping into digital resources, you can target your audience where they usually are: online. Use tools like short videos, infographics, blogs, and phone apps like budget calculators.

For example, many sites provide comprehensive insurance guides to help customers understand health and life insurance better. They can also expand this by launching regional video series on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where a huge portion of the audience consumes content in Urdu or local dialects.

Why it works: Digital content is shareable, accessible, and cost-effective. A well-placed video on social media or a downloadable budget template on your website can reach hundreds or even thousands of people.

Another great opportunity lies in WhatsApp communities and voice notes, which are already widely used in Pakistan. By sharing bite-sized financial tips in these formats, fintech brands can engage millions effectively.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Of course, this isn’t without hurdles:

• Translation Accuracy: Literal translations can confuse readers. The key is contextual adaptation.
• SEO in Urdu: While English dominates online searches, Urdu and Roman Urdu queries are growing. Optimizing for both is essential.
• Content Cost: Producing multilingual content requires resources, but the ROI in brand trust and conversions makes it worth it.

The good news? AI tools and voice-based technology now make this process faster and cost-effective, helping businesses produce localized content at scale without compromising quality. For those seeking to educate on loans and credit, resources like personal loan section are perfect starting points.

The Bigger Picture: Financial Inclusion for All

Promoting financial literacy through Urdu and regional languages isn’t just a marketing strategy, it’s a step toward financial inclusion. When people in remote areas understand how to protect themselves with health insurance or use credit responsibly, they’re empowered to make better choices for their families.

For businesses, this is an opportunity to lead the conversation, build trust, and grow responsibly. The future belongs to brands that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity.

Final Thoughts: Time to Act

Financial literacy isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for every Pakistani household. By embracing Urdu and regional content, businesses can bridge the knowledge gap and create meaningful relationships with customers.

The post Promoting Financial Literacy Through Regional and Urdu Content appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

In Pakistan, the concept of telemedicine treatment and consultations came into mainstream awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing and isolation were necessary. However, keeping in view our overburdened medical staff, infrastructure, and the high cost of medical treatments, having the option of telemedicine can be a blessing if used effectively as a means of relieving overburdened medical facilities and reducing the cost of going to a doctor. 

The Rise of TeleMedicine

In the past, telemedicine was used to care for patients in remote areas who did not have access to a local doctor or hospital. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that telemedicine truly took off.

Driven by the pandemic, telemedicine usage in Asia-Pacific skyrocketed from 2020 onwards. Health insurers reported a staggering 52% increase in virtual consultations compared to the pre-pandemic period, a dramatic shift from the mere 4% of visits conducted remotely before it. It became essential to limit in-person visits and reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. And despite the pandemic being over now, telemedicine still has a strong user base.

Explaining Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the use of technology to give medical care, and removing the need to be present in the same place. It covers many activities like diagnosis, intervention, and consultation through two-way, real-time communication. Doctors and patients can talk and see each other using video and audio messaging services like Zoom, and WhatsApp.

Technical tools make telemedicine easily accessible. Video calls help doctors and patients have face-to-face interactions even when miles apart. Telephones can be used for simple audio conversations, and email systems allow for sharing detailed information like scans, reports and other documents. 

Additionally, innovation in remote patient monitoring devices enables medical professionals to assess patients’ health data from afar, making telemedicine versatile and effective.

The Role of Technology in Telemedicine Delivery

The availability of low-cost technology plays a major role in enabling telemedicine. It helps telemedicine doctors and patients to connect through low cost video chats. Doctors can see patients, provide diagnoses, and discuss treatments. This becomes especially important for those unable to visit a clinic in person. Audio calls offer another method for consultations when video isn’t available.

Remote patient monitoring is gaining traction. There are devices available that track vital signs and share data regularly with doctors. This ensures timely intervention if a patient’s health condition change. Emails also support meticulous information sharing, helping doctors and patients stay informed.

Impact of Telemedicine On Healthcare Delivery

By using the power of technology, medicine is changing the healthcare delivery process, widening the reach, and improving patient healthcare standards.

1. Provides remote consultations: Telemedicine allows patients to receive medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations from the comfort of their homes. Even patients in remote areas with limited access to specialists can consult experts from renowned hospitals, improving the quality of care and eliminating the need for extensive travel.
2. Remote patient monitoring: Wearable devices enable the remote monitoring of patient’s health conditions and vital signs. These devices, and mobile apps, and other connected technologies can transmit data to healthcare providers for real-time monitoring and proactive intervention. This allows for earlier detection of potential health issues and enables better and data-driven care plans.
3. Supports expatriates living abroad: Through telehealth, expatriates can tap into a broader network of healthcare providers and specialists, overcoming geographical and language barriers. They can access familiar medical expertise, receive guidance on their health concerns, and benefit from the peace of mind that comes with receiving care from trusted sources.

The Impact of Telemedicine on Health Insurance 

The move to Telemedicine has had some implications for both patients and insurers, reshaping the dynamics of how healthcare services are utilised and covered by insurance plans.

Since Telemedicine is generally less expensive than in-person appointments, it helps insurers manage healthcare expenditures and control premium increases.

Covering Telemedicine or offering telemedicine services has become a prerequisite for many insurance providers internationally to remain competitive in the market. It enhances member satisfaction as it aligns with the growing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare services.

Challenges In Telemedicine Coverage

With Telemedicine an underutilized facet of medical treatment in Pakistan, insurance coverage is also inconsistent across companies and hospitals. Private insurance also differs significantly, with some offering telemedicine coverage clauses and others not.

Legal and technological constraints can affect coverage. Health benefit plans are mandated to treat telehealth and in-person services equally, but technology types used won’t impact coverage decisions. 

As technology evolves and policies advance, telemedicine is positioned to become a standard healthcare option, offering efficient, cost-effective solutions that make healthcare more accessible to all.

Hybrid Healthcare Models

Hybrid healthcare models combine traditional in-person medical services with telemedicine. This approach improves insurance plan flexibility, allowing patients to choose the most convenient and appropriate care setting. By integrating both methods, healthcare providers can improve patient access, especially in underserved areas.

Telemedicine plays a crucial role in hybrid models. Video consultations, remote monitoring, and electronic records make virtual visits practical and efficient. Patients with chronic conditions benefit from regular telehealth check-ins, reducing the necessity for frequent office visits. For instance, patients managing diabetes can consult their doctors remotely to discuss blood sugar levels tracked by connected devices.

Final Thoughts: Telemedicine Is Here to Stay

Telemedicine has moved from a temporary fix to a permanent solution. It offers affordable, accessible, and flexible healthcare—making it especially relevant in a country like Pakistan, where reaching quality care can be a challenge.

The post Telemedicine and Insurance: How Virtual Healthcare is Changing Coverage Needs  appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

• You pay a financial charge, which is called the premium. These are usually monthly, but can be quarterly and even annual. This is a fee for having the health plan.
• Many health plans have what is called a deductible. A deductible is the amount the policyholder has to pay for care until their health plan kicks in to share a percentage of the costs.
• Once the policyholder meets their deductible and the plan steps in, the insurance company starts sharing costs with your plan. For example, the health plan may pay 70% of your medical costs, and you may pay 30%. This is called “coinsurance.” Most insurance ID cards will show the deductible and coinsurance rates.

Preventive care is usually 100% covered. This includes standard items like an annual medical check-up, seasonal shots, kids’ vaccinations, general wellness screenings, and more. 

Policyholders save money when they stay in-network. Network providers agree to give lower rates to the insurance company’s customers. You can usually find a list of network providers on your health insurance website or by calling and asking them for a list of in-network providers. This is a key part of how health insurance works to help keep your costs low.

To learn more about deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, visit our blog Understanding Health Insurance Deductibles, Copayments, and Coinsurance Concerns in Pakistan.

How To Get Health Insurance

Many employers include some form of a health plan as part of their job benefits. They work with the insurance company to design the health plans they offer you. Employers can choose to include certain programs and services for their employees’ benefits, as well.

In case your workplace doesn’t offer health insurance, you can buy one on your own through a health insurance company. You’ll have to research thoroughly, as there are multiple options to meet different needs.

What Health Insurance Covers

Health insurance plans can cover a wide range of medical care and services. Common items include preventive and non-preventive care, while emergency care is a usual fixed item. Some policies can also offer coverage for behavioral health, and some categories of vision and hearing care.

What people pay out of pocket and what their plan helps pay for can depend on several factors. These include whether you’ve met your deductible, what your coinsurance is, if you are getting care from in-network providers and facilities, if your care is preventive or not, and more.

Some examples of health insurance benefits your plan may cover include:

• Preventive visits: Things like an annual check-up (adult or child) are typically covered 100%.
• Vaccinations: Some vaccinations are covered 100%, too. For example, many plans pay for an annual flu shot and certain kinds of childhood vaccinations.
• Non-preventive doctor visits: For in-network doctors and specialists, you get a reduced rate as part of the network. Your plan helps pay its share of the cost once you’ve met your deductible.
• Hospitalization: Your plan helps pay its share of the cost once you’ve met your deductible. You will pay less if you go to a hospital that’s in your plan’s network, if required.
• Emergency Room: Many health plans do not require you to go to an in-network ER in an emergency, but plans can differ.
• Lab work: If you go to an in-network lab, your costs for lab work will be lower. Your health plan negotiates lower rates with them, too.
• Additional coverage that’s added to your health plan: Coverage for cancer care, accident coverage, and more can help you pay for care that’s often costly and unexpected.  

What Health Insurance Usually Doesn’t Cover

What’s not covered by health insurance can also vary depending on the plan. Here are some types of services that are not typically covered:

Alternative medicine: Such as massage, acupuncture, herbal healing, and more.

Vision Care: Most insurance policies do not cover visits to the ophthalmologists and eye care expenses. 

Dental Care: Many insurance policies do not cover visits to the dentist, as well as orthodontic procedures or even extractions. 

Cosmetic surgery: Things like plastic surgery, laser skin removal, liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose job), etc.

Weight-loss surgery: Gastric bypass and bariatric surgery may not be covered. This depends on the plan you get, though. Some procedures may be covered if medically necessary, so check your plan documents carefully.

Vein surgery: Laser surgery to correct spider veins is often considered cosmetic and may not be covered unless a doctor can show it’s medically necessary.

Elective surgeries: Especially surgeries for which a doctor cannot prove a medical need.

Unapproved medical care: If you fail to get a required prior authorization for care or a service, your health plan may deny you coverage. Prior authorization is pre-approval from your health insurer. Many health plans require this type of pre-approval for certain types of procedures or treatments.

Your Summary of Benefits Coverage (SBC) document that comes with your health plan will itemize the care and services covered, as well as what’s not covered. When you know how your health plan works, you are better able to avoid paying unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

The Benefits of Having Health Insurance

The benefits of health insurance include:

• Lower out-of-pocket costs for care since it’s shared with your health plan.
• Coverage for unexpected costly medical care, such as hospitalization and care for a serious illness like cancer, or in the event of an accident or serious injury. 
• Peace of mind—having a health plan may give you some comfort in knowing that there is a limit to how much you need to pay out of pocket for costly medical care. In addition, since your health plan pays for most preventive care, you can also have the peace of mind that you and your family can get all your routine care, with little to no additional cost. (Some plans may require a small copay at the time of a visit.)

When To Get Health Insurance

Health insurance only works when you have it. Consider your lifestyle. Do you live risk-free, or do you like to live life on the edge? Adventurous? Or a homebody? Do you have a chronic health condition that requires treatment? Do you have a family to care for? These are things to keep in mind when considering whether you should get health insurance:

If you are offered a health plan through your employer, you should get it. Your employer helps foot the bill for your medical care. Preventive care is usually at no cost to you—a big savings for you and your family.

In general, how health insurance works is similar across plans, but depending on your needs, the details of your medical coverage can vary. Make sure to learn about your particular health plan or any plan you’re considering enrolling in.

The post Does Your Health Insurance Cover Dental and Vision Care? What to Expect  appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.